poitiers guardian travel

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Poitiers

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 6th June 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 6th June 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Poitiers is a sleepy city in western France with a rich Merovingian heritage and a mesmerising tapestry of medieval churches scattered across its historic city centre. Indeed, Poitiers is home to so many church towers that it has been nicknamed “la ville aux cent clochers” (the town of a hundred steeples) . Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Poitiers , as well as what to know before you go.

I didn’t do much research about what to do in Poitiers prior to my visit. I had passed through once before on a bus journey back from Biarritz to Paris and had seen nothing of the French city save for a single crumbling ruin and a few classic French houses- and to be honest, it didn’t leave much of an impression.

However, the city is pretty well connected to the rest of western France thanks to its international airport and so it made sense to visit as something of a gateway into the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

According to my dad, some of our ancestors come from Poitiers (I have no idea if this is true or not!) , and so I set out to discover the best of the city and see where some of my roots *may* have originated from.

And what I found truly astounded me. Despite being a lesser-visited city, Poitiers amazed and thrilled me in equal measure with its cobbled lanes, rich architectural offerings, and sheer beauty of the churches- I have never seen so many well-preserved frescoes in French churches before!

What is Poitiers known for?

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If I’m honest, Poitiers lies a little off the beaten path (unless you’re following the Way of Saint James) and isn’t really famous for as many things as other cities in the region; Anglouême (famed for its comics) , Limoges (world-renowned for its pottery) , or La Rochelle (known for its pastel hued port) .

With this being said, the quiet town is pretty attractive and is famed for its Romanesque architecture, boasting one of the greatest collections of Romanesque architecture in France.

If you look hard enough, you can also find neat examples of Gothic architecture too. There’s ecclesiastical history to be found around almost every turn and so this is definitely the city for history buffs.

The leading industries are electronics manufacturing, food processing, and printing, though tourism is also common enough thanks to the fact that the Church of Saint-Hilaire the Great Poitiers is a fine example of Romanesque architecture and is on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

It’s also worth noting that most people (especially French tourists) venture into the area surrounding Poitiers to visit Futuroscope, which is an amusement park, which boasts attractions such as 4D cinemas and spectacles. Poitiers also enjoys its own microclimate, meaning that temperatures throughout the year rarely go below 15 degrees.

Just an hour and a half’s drive inland from the Atlantic coastline, Poitiers has seen plenty of inhabitants over the Millennia, and today remnants of the past can be found all over the city..

Poitiers was originally inhabited by the Celtic tribe the Pictones and was known as   Lemonum (after the elm tree). After the Romans took over, the town became known as Pictavium , for the Celtic tribe.

In the Middle Ages, there were a staggering 27 parishes within the city and each of these churches had their very own steeple.

In the 15th-century (in 1431 to be precise), Poitiers university was established. Founded by Pope Eugene IV and chartered by King Charles VII, the University was once one of the most prestigious in France, second only to Paris.

Though the university was briefly closed down during the French Revolution, today Poitiers enjoys a status as a university city, with the highest student/inhabitant ratio in France!

Poitiers was once the capital of Poitou-Charentes, a now-defunct region of France that was absorbed into the fabric of the larger Nouvelle-Aquitaine region following an administrative shakeup in 2016. The city remains part of the Vienne department.

Best things to do in Poitiers

The church of Notre Dame is undoubtedly the star of the show when it comes to attractions in Poitiers. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the tourist office, the first thing to greet you when it comes to Notre Dame is its impressive façade, which features 12th-century carvings recounting scenes from the bible.

Inside, even greater treasures await the curious travellers. The interior of the church is free to visit and is honestly a must. As well as painted columns, there are various chapels which were paid for by wealthy merchant families in the 15th and 16th-centuries.

Bells have been ringing out in Poitiers since the 11th-century. One of the grandest churches in town is the impressive Saint Pierre (Saint Peter Cathedral), which was constructed in 1162 on the ruins of a former Roman basilica. The cathedral is free to visit.

The Baptistery of Saint John is alleged to be the oldest surviving Christian building in the west and probably dates back to between 630-700.

The building is not only a rare surviving example of a baptistery (octagonal baptismal pool which was used up until the 8th-century still intact) but is also pretty unique in that it’s a fine example of Merovingian architecture.

You have to pay a small fee to enter the hexagonal building today, and be aware that the entrance is cash only, but there are plenty of amazing things to see once inside. This includes murals from the Middle Ages and Merovingian sarcophagi.

The largest museum in Poitiers was built in the 1970s, is situated close to the baptistery and cathedral, and features exhibitions showcasing the history of Poitiers and its surroundings. The true star of the show is all of the Roman artefacts and ruins, though there are plenty more modern exhibitions too.

Like many important towns and cities in France, the town hall of Poitiers is a well appointed building standing firmly in pride of place in a central square. The edifice itself was constructed in the latter half of the 19th-century and is still used for many important functions today, including weddings.

Directly outside the front façade of the town hall, the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is one of the more happening places in town, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Here, bars spill out onto the streets and it’s a pleasant spot to sit and people watch.

The fortified and splendid grandeur of the Palace Of The Aquitaine Dukes has not been diminished by time and still today the Palace stands in pride of place in the very heart of old Poitiers.

The entire complex is surrounded by ditches and was once one of the principal residences of the Dukes of Aquitaine. Several parts of the buildings are free to visit (including the Salle des Perdus), and there are daily tours of The Maubergeon Tower.

The jewel in the crown of this Gothic masterpiece is the Salle des Pas Perdus, which was rebuilt by the Plantagenêt family just before the 13th-century and remains one of the best examples of non-church Gothic architecture in France.

One of the most important churches in town is to be found in the form of Saint-Hilaire, which is named for Hilary of Poitiers. The original church was built in the 12th-century, though it was heavily modelled in the 15th and 16th.

The church is free to visit and is of the utmost importance thanks to the fact that it is one of the churches on the Way of St James on the pilgrimage route from France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Step inside during opening hours and you can find painted frescoes, sacristy-museum, and the tomb of Saint-Hilaire.

The Statue of Liberty in Upper New York Bay was a gift from France to the US, and so it’s perhaps not surprising that there are countless Statue of Liberty replicas in France today. One such replica is in Poitiers in Place de la Liberté.

Since Poitiers is a fairly small city with just a handful of attractions, the attractive old town and its accompanying highlights can easily be seen over the course of a day.

If you’re particularly interested in church history, then set aside two full days as the frescoes within the churches and their accompanying museums are truly breathtaking. If you’re looking to take further day trips into the surrounding area, then you’ll want to set aside two or three days to explore.

Poitiers is served by its very own international airport (Poitiers-Biard), which connects to destinations such as London. The actual flight time between London and Poitiers is just over an hour (actually in the air), meaning that it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

You should note that there is no airport bus to get to the city centre and so you can take a taxi or walk (like I did- though I don’t recommend this as the first part is along a busy road).

Alternatively, Poitiers has its own train station which is served by the TGV (high speed train). Within an hour and a half of the city, you can be by the seaside at La Rochelle. There’s also a direct high speed train from Poitiers to Paris Montparnasse and the journey takes just 1.5 hours.

There are regular bus routes which pass through Poitiers as well (buses can often be a more affordable, albeit more time consuming, way of travelling through France)

As with many historic towns in France, the best way to get around the city is on your own two feet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (trainers are fine- especially if they’re in a neutral colour) and avoid heels as cobbled streets are pretty abundant!

Your first port of call when arriving in the town should be the tourist information office, which is right outside one of the greatest attractions Poitiers has to offer: the Romanesque church of Notre Dame.

You can pick up a free tourist map, and if you speak French, there are other detailed brochures about the history of the town and further attractions to look out for when wandering around Poitiers.

As a medium sized city, there are a few options when it comes to staying in Poitiers. Since the real draw of the town is its historic city centre, I personally recommend to opt staying right in the heart of all the action. Plus, it won’t be too long to walk back to your accommodation after you’ve been out for your evening meal!

ibis Styles Poitiers Centre: I personally stayed in the Ibis Styles Poitiers Centre and personally found the rooms to be clean, comfortable, and enjoyed the complimentary breakfast the next day. The best thing about the hotel is that it is very conveniently located just a short walk away from many important monuments in town. Check prices and availability here.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Poitiers (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Poitiers (France)

Capital of Poitour-Charentes towards the west of France, Poitiers is a university city with layer upon layer of medieval history to delve into. All you need is a bit of background and the many churches take on deep meaning as the queens, dukes and counts who ruled from this city come alive.

There are loads of endearing half-timbered houses on squares like Place Charles de Gaulle, and you can have fun hunting down the gothic and renaissance palace’s where the city’s gentry used to live. And then you can leave the past behind, at least for a few hours, at the ultramodern Futuroscope theme park.

Lets explore the best things to do in Poitiers :

1. Musée Sainte-Croix

The biggest museum in the city is in a labyrinthine brutalist building from the 1970s.

After an intensive trawl through these galleries, broken down into prehistory, ancient archaeology, medieval history, fine arts ethnography and regional, you’ll be feeling pretty clued-up about Poitiers and the region.

You’ll be riveted by the archaeology department because the museum is built over the 7th-century Abbey of Sainte-Croix.

Don’t leave without seeing the Roman sculpture of Minerva, the hoard of Gallo-Romain coins from Chevonceaux,6th-century stucco from the Priory of Saint-Pierre and outstanding artworks by Rodin, Camille Claudel and Eugène Boudin.

2. Futuroscope

Since the Lumière brothers in the 19th-century France has always been at the forefront of the cinematic arts, and the Futuroscope theme park springs from that legacy.

It is France’s third most popular theme park and has been dazzling visitors for more than 30 years with simulators, rides and breathtaking presentations in IMAX 3D and 4D theatres.

The venues for these rides and shows are phenomenal metal and glass structures, some angular and others rounded, but all with vast dimensions.

Most of the shows have set starting times, so as opposed to most theme parks you can plan ahead and not waste your day in queues.

3. Baptistère Saint-Jean

In Poitiers you can step in to the oldest Christian church in France, built in the 4th century and then altered in the 7th century to its present form.

In the Merovingian times they didn’t mess around when it came to baptism, and instead of a small font, the church contains a large octagonal pool in which people needed to be totally immersed to complete the ritual of admission.

There are Merovingian sarcophagus covers on displayed at the small archaeological museum  inside, and incredible murals from the 12th and 13th centuries decorate the walls.

4. Église Saint-Hilaire Le Grand

Because of its location on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route, this hushed romanesque church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Revolution wasn’t kind to the building, and the nave was torn down and had to be rebuilt.

But in the choir and ambulatory there’s lots of glorious medieval art.

The four chapels have frescos from the 1000s, among them one of the earliest medieval representations of the apocalypse.

Down in the crypt a 17th-century chest holds the relics of St.

Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers in the 4th century and the foremost writer and theologian of the time.

5. Parc de Blossac

In the mid 18th-century the Count of Blossac had big plans for Poitiers to shed its medieval image with wide boulevards and open spaces like this sumptuous park.

The park is actually skirted by some of the old city walls, as you can see on the southern corner.

From  there you can also follow the Chemin de la Cagouillere footpath down to the right bank of the Clain River.

Most of the park is French-style parterres, with arrow-straight avenues beside topiaries.

There’s also a romantic English garden with flowerbeds, an ornamental river, statues, grotto and a little menagerie with guinea pigs, parakeets and rabbits.

• 6.  Église Notre-Dame la Grande

This 11th-century church is an incredible piece of poitevin romanesque architecture.

Inside are medieval paintings above the choir, showing Christ in majesty and the Virgin and Child surrounded by a mandorla.

But it’s the church’s portal that wins most acclaim, with sophisticated 12th century friezes showing images from passages in the old and new testaments.

In the middle ages the sculptures on the church’s facade would have been painted, and on summer evenings since 1995 the light artist Skertzo has staged the Polychromies de Notre-Dame, restoring the vibrant colours to these walls with breathtaking projections.

7. Grande Salle – Palais de Poitiers

There’s only one room to be seen at Poitiers law courts, formerly the seat of the Dukes of Aquitaine and Counts of Poitou, and you have to brave airlines tyle bag-checkers to get in.

But if you’re curious about English and French history this is small price to pay.

Because the Grand Salle was a dining hall ordered in the 1190s by Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful  women in medieval Europe.

At 50 metres by 17 it may well have been the largest in Europe at the time.

There are three gigantic fireplaces, wondrous traceries on the windows and sculptures of figures in the court of Poitiers, like John of Berry and Isabeau of Bavaria.

8. Poitiers Cathedral

Eleanor also commissioned the city’s imposing cathedral in 1162, and it was completed around a century later, which was quite swift for a building of this size in medieval times.

If you’re fascinated by medieval history you could have a field day in here.

First, nearly all the stained glass windows in the choir and transept are original, and if you’re eagle-eyed you’ll identify Eleanor and Henry II in one.

The wooden choir stalls are some of the oldest in France, carved in the Parisian gothic style in the mid-13th century.

Originally there would have been 100, but even with the  74 remaining you’re left in no doubt about the high status of the cathedral chapter in these times.

9. Hôtel Fumé

Rue de la Chaîne is one of the most delightful streets in the city, crowded with medieval houses with criss-cross patterns on their timber frames and iron gaslights suspended over the middle of the street.

Follow it up the hill and it turns into Rue René Descartes , on which you’ll be taken aback by the majestic, curving facade of Hôtel Fumé.

This is a flamboyant gothic mansion built in the 15th and 16th centuries by the city’s mayor, and now housing the university’s humanities department.

Go through the passageway into the courtyard, where sculpted, twisting columns support a half-timbered gallery with mullioned windows.

10. Place du Maréchal-Leclerc

The principal square in Poitier’s Cente-Ville has a totally different feel to the city’s narrow medieval streets, but is just as easy to love for its sense of space and airiness.

Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is enclosed by Belle Époque and art deco buildings.

Note the facade of the Société Générale, dating to 1928 and the former municipal theatre built in 1954 in an art deco revival style.

The City Hall is a bit older, dating to the mid-1800s during the Second Empire, and it hosts occasional open weekends when you can go in to poke around the salons and grand staircase.

In the last couple of years stylish modern benches have been added to the square, and there are cafes all around if you need a break from sightseeing.

11. Hôtel Jean Beaucé

If you continue past the City Hall on Rue Le-Bascle the street ends at a remarkable renaissance mansion built by the banker of the same name in 1554. Unfortunately you can’t go inside as it’s a private residence, but you can console yourself with a photo of the unusual facade.

In the middle is a staircase tower, with windows spiralling up to a conical roof.

To the right there’s another, this one topped with a cupola.

The mansion has a bit of everything, with gabled dormer windows,  busts of Roman emperors, pilasters, scrolls and medallions.

12. Église Sainte-Radegonde

This romanesque and gothic church has enough to keep you occupied for at least a few minutes.

The bell-tower and apse are the oldest portions, dating to the 11th and 12th centuries, while the nave in the middle is gothic, from the 13th century with vaults added 100 years or so later than that.

In the crypt below the chancel is the 10th-century sarcophagus for Radegund, a Frankish queen who died in Poitiers in 587. Next to this is a statue representing the saint donated by Anne of Austria (the Queen of France) in the mid-1600s after she had come to pray at the tomb.

13. Jardin des Plantes

If your head is spinning from all those dates and historical personalities you can go for a meditative walk in the Jardin des Plantes, Poiters’ soothing botanical garden.

The park has 150 species of exotic plants in its greenhouse, most with medicinal properties.

That might be because the park was established by the university’s faculty of medicine, all the way back in 1621. The rest of the garden is a freewheeling English park: There’s a pond, waterfall and winding paths in woodland scattered with unusual trees like an Atlas cedar and an American bald cypress.

14. Local Walks

There are 400 kilometres of marked trails accessible from Poitiers, and the countryside that  borders the city is all woodland, meadows and farms, littered with medieval remains like chapels and old stone bridges.

There’s some pretty dramatic scenery too thanks to the Clain river, which formed the rocky outcrop on which Poitiers was built.

The Clain Valley has steep, rugged  walls that will grant the more energetic walkers exhilarating views, and the same can be said for the Auxance tributary, which joins the Clain just north of Poitiers.

If you go east along the Boivre river things get gentler as you enter the Bocage Bérugeois, a very bucolic area of hedges, meadows and orchards around the tiny village of Béruges.

15. Food and Drink

Farci Poitevin is a distinctive local delicacy; a kind of vegetable hash made with chard, spinach, sorrel, cabbage leek and bacon wrapped in a net and cooked for hours until it sets into a pâté.

It is eaten cold and you’ll normally see it served as a starter in restaurants.

Also served as an appetiser, but occasionally eaten after a meal, is Chabichou de Poitou goats’ cheese, which you can easily spot at market stalls because it has an uncommon cylindrical shape.

The local lamb, butter and melons are all protected, and in the windows of patisseries you may be enticed by Montmorillon macarons.

Unlike Parisian-style meringues, these are denser almond biscuits with a soft centre, baked to a 17th-century recipe.

15 Best Things to Do in Poitiers (France):

• Musée Sainte-Croix
• Futuroscope
• Baptistère Saint-Jean
• Église Saint-Hilaire Le Grand
• Parc de Blossac
• Grande Salle - Palais de Poitiers
• Poitiers Cathedral
• Place du Maréchal-Leclerc
• Hôtel Jean Beaucé
• Église Sainte-Radegonde
• Jardin des Plantes
• Local Walks
• Food and Drink

• Become a Member

10 Reasons to Visit Grand Poitiers

Grand Poitiers is home to centuries of medieval history, wild forests and outstanding gastronomy. In this article, we explore the top ten reasons to visit Grand Poitiers from beautiful golf courses to tasty cheesecake.

1. Eleanor of Aquitaine (and Richard the Lionheart)

This year, we celebrate 900 years since Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France and then of England, was born. Events have been organised all summer around this anniversary but the imprint of their royal passage in Poitiers is visible all year round – notably at the Palais des Comtes de Poitou where the Dukes of Aquitaine resided and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Enjoy a boat ride on the Clain © Benoît Gautreau/VisitPoitiers

2. Activities for the whole family

Vélorail in Chauvigny, boat rides on the Clain, a falconry show in the ruins of the Château des Evêques in Chauvigny, escape games in Poitiers, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy whether you’re looking for a slow start to the day or a more energetic excursion. 

Terra Aventura is a free app, available in English, that offers visitors treasure hunts based on local specificities so you can explore the area while having fun, whether you are with family, friends, or alone.

Visit Chauvigny, a one-of-a-kind medieval city © Margot Rousselle/VisitPoitiers

3. A very present medieval past

In Poitiers, you’ll find half-timbered houses, remarkable monuments, paved pedestrian streets, and more.

The nearby town of Chauvigny also holds many historical treasures. Its five castles are all grouped on the same rocky outcrop, making it a unique visit. Each year, it holds a medieval fair at the end of August with events all weekend – watch a medieval ball or get hands-on by learning one of the many medieval games on offer. 

Chauvigny is a unique city, home to five castles. © Margot Rousselle/VisitPoitiers

4. Local gastronomic specialities

The goat’s cheese is famous, especially Chabichou. Visit the Maras Farm in Chauvigny (local producer) or the famous Chosson fromagerie in Poitiers to discover more.

You may not have heard of Grand Poitiers’ cheesecake but it’s delicious. Known as Tourteau Fromagé, it’s a sweet cake made from fresh cheese (often goat’s cheese). It’s very airy and melts in the mouth with a burnt crust on top. It’s simply u nique.

Marché des Couronneries © Benoît Gautreau/VisitPoitiers

There are plenty of other local specialities to taste. Broyé du Poitou is a cross between shortbread and cake that uses the rich butter from the area to create its crumbly texture. What makes it different is that it is usually cut with a fist! Montmorillon macarons are another sweet speciality to enjoy. They are completely different from “Parisian” macarons with a high almond content.

If you’re looking for something savoury, try the Poitevin stuffing: vegetable-based terrines (including chard, spinach, cabbage and sorrel).

Inside the Palace of Poitiers © Coraline Prono/VisitPoitiers

5. Land of legends

Many legends remain in all Great Poitiers. The most famous of them? The fairy Mélusine in Lusignan. There is also the Grand Goule, a creature resembling a dragon that devoured the nuns of the City until Sainte-Radegonde made it disappear.

You can discover many other legends thanks to Visit Poitiers, the free guided tours app available in English.

Notre-Dame la Grande dates all the way back to the 12th century and features beautiful examples of polychromy both on its façade and inside. © Coraline Prono/VisitPoitiers

6. Exceptional religious heritage

Poitiers is known as the “City of 100 Bell Towers” for good reason. Some of the must-see bell towers include:

• Saint Peter’s Cathedral where Aliénor (Eleanor) and Henri (Henry) were married.
• The Romanesque Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church with its world-renowned sculpted façade.
• Sainte-Radegonde Church, built on top of a Merovingian queen’s grave.
• Saint-Hilaire Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Santiago de Compostela .
• Baptistère Saint-Jean, built in the 5th century, is one of the oldest Christian monuments in the West.

Blossac Park is a stunning place for a stroll © Benoît Gautreau/VisitPoitiers

7. Nature in all its forms

Nature is everywhere in Grand Poitiers. In the heart of Poitiers, a 9-hectare park offers a great breath of fresh air with both English and French-style gardens, a café-restaurant to sit and rest your legs, bicycle rental, and more.

At the edge of the Clain, at the Guinguette Pictave (Tison island), you will find a unique atmosphere, typical of the French tradition of guinguettes (open-air cafés) on the water’s edge. Play some o ld games, eat some ice cream or get some snacks from the food trucks and a drink from one of the bars before sitting down to relax at one of the large picnic tables where everyone comes together to share a moment of relaxation.

You have plenty of woods and forests all around Poitiers to choose from to recharge your batteries but if you want a calmer setting, head to Saint-Benoît: the garden city at the gates of Poitiers. 

The former Abbey of Saint-Benoît was founded in the 7th century by Saint Achard © Lucile Granseigne/VisitPoitiers

The Golf du Haut-Poitou, a technical and hilly course, overlooks Saint-Cyr Lake. For  13 years, it was home to an International Professional Golf Open on the Alps Tour circuit and it now hosts a Pro-Am every year. Once you’ve finished a few rounds (or skip the golf, if you prefer to watch rather than participate), you can rest in its restaurant and take in the breathtaking panoramic view!

Alternatively, south-east of Poitiers, the Golf de Mignaloux offers a bucolic and wooded setting for you to play. 

Marche Notre Dame © Benoît Gautreau/VisitPoitiers

9. French Art de Vivre

Grand Poitiers has many restaurants, bars and terraces welcoming you all year round! Whatever you fancy, you will inevitably find your definition of happiness: traditional French cuisine, local products, regional cuisine (Breton, Corsican, etc.), world cuisine, crustaceans, bistronomics, etc.

In Poitiers, life is organised around two main squares (Place Charles de Gaulle with the church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande and Place Leclerc with the town hall). Connected by a set of pedestrian streets, take the time to wander and let yourself be seduced by the French Art de Vivre!

Panoroma des Dunes © Coraline Prono/VisitPoitiers

10. A city on a human scale

The heart of Poitiers is located at the top of a hill called the “Plateau”. The streets are mostly pedestrian so the city is very walkable, perfect for strolling around.

If you want to be your own guide on your visit, we recommend downloading the guided tours app “Visit Poitiers”, which is entirely free and in English. The app allows you to choose a route according to your interests (legends, heritage, unusual, etc.) and the difficulty of the route (duration and altitude difference).

Find out more: https://visitpoitiers.fr/en/discover-grand-poitiers/

Lead photo credit : Panorama des Dunes © Coraline Prono/VisitPoitiers

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What to see in Poitiers: A Local's Travel Guide

Poitiers: a local's travel guide.

Poitiers is a charming city nestled in the heart of France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. With its rich history, impressive architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a myriad of attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, museums, or simply strolling through picturesque streets, Poitiers has something for everyone. Here are some must-see attractions:

1. Notre-Dame la Grande

One of Poitiers' most iconic landmarks, Notre-Dame la Grande is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its intricate facade, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, is truly awe-inspiring. Step inside and marvel at the stained glass windows that cast a colorful glow across the interior.

2. Palais des Comtes de Poitou

Explore the history of Poitiers at the Palais des Comtes de Poitou, a former residence of the Counts of Poitou. This medieval palace boasts stunning architectural details and offers a glimpse into the city's past. Don't miss the panoramic views of Poitiers from the top of its tower.

3. Futuroscope

For a modern and futuristic experience, head to Futuroscope. This cutting-edge theme park is renowned for its innovative attractions and interactive experiences. From thrilling rides to 3D cinemas, there's no shortage of entertainment for the whole family.

4. Saint-Jean Baptistery

Visit the Saint-Jean Baptistery, one of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe. This Romanesque gem features unique geometric decorations and a captivating atmosphere. Take a moment to appreciate the acoustics while standing in its impressive octagonal interior.

5. Musée Sainte-Croix

Art enthusiasts should make their way to the Musée Sainte-Croix, home to an extensive collection of fine arts from various periods. Discover works by renowned artists such as Monet, Rubens, and Delacroix, as well as artifacts from ancient civilizations.

6. Parc de Blossac

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the serene Parc de Blossac. This lush green space offers a peaceful retreat with its beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and tranquil ponds. Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature.

7. Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Poitou-Charentes by trying some of the region's delicious dishes. Sample the renowned goat cheese, Chabichou, paired with crusty bread. Don't miss the opportunity to savor a dish of Potee Poitevine, a hearty traditional stew made with pork, vegetables, and sausages.

8. Local Markets

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the vibrant markets of Poitiers. Wander through stalls filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, wines, and artisanal crafts. The Sunday morning market at Place Charles de Gaulle is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic experience.

9. Historic Churches

Poitiers is home to a rich collection of historic churches, each with its own unique story to tell. Take a self-guided tour and visit the Eglise Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand, Eglise Saint-Porchaire, and Eglise Sainte-Radegonde, among others. Marvel at their beautiful architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance.

10. Street Art

As you explore Poitiers' streets, keep an eye out for its vibrant street art scene. Admire colorful murals and graffiti created by local artists, adding a modern twist to the city's historic architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhoods to discover hidden gems around every corner.

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10 Best Things To Do In Poitiers

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on August 31, 2023

Are you looking for the best things to do in Poitiers?

Poitiers, in western France, is the regional capital of Poitou-Charentes. It’s a city that’s been around for more than two millennia, and it has a ton of cool historical sites and cultural landmarks to see. Poitiers joined the ranks of the World Heritage Sites in 2001.

The city is nestled between the Boivre and the Clain rivers and is surrounded by hiking and biking paths. These paths connect sightseers to lively plazas, tranquil parks, and small shopping districts.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Poitiers that should be on the itinerary of anyone planning to visit.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Visit Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers

2. see the beautiful and historic churches of poitiers, 3. take a tour of palais de justice, 4. visit musee sainte-croix, 5. take in some of the finest french culture and education at espace mendes france, 6. learn about hôtel fumé, 7. go for a stroll in parc de blossac., 8. relax in the poitiers botanical garden., 9. spend a day in futuroscope, 10. participate in wine tastings held in taverns and wineries, travel tips and resources.

Originally built as the residence of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Count of Poitiers between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers is a superb example of medieval architecture. After a fire in the 14th century, the palace was converted into a courthouse.

The palace is a remarkable example of Gothic Angevin architecture. The official palace auditorium was formerly the assembly hall and the huge Gothic hall. The palace is especially known for its impressive Maubeigeon hall and tower.

The Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers is still a stunning and endearing landmark today. An authentic piece of Anglo-French history, this is one of the highlights of a visit to Poitiers.

• Eglise Sainte Radegonde

The medieval Roman Catholic Church of Sainte-Radegonde was built in Poitiers, France, in the sixth century. Radegund, a Frankish queen and nun, was buried there, hence the name. Since she was canonized, believers in her divine intervention began flocking to the church.

The present church was erected between the 11th and 12th centuries in a style that combines Romanesque and Angevin Gothic.

• Church of Notre Dame la Grande

Beautiful Romanesque Byzantine architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries characterizes Notre Dame la Grande. Pinecone-shaped towers stand at either side of the narrow church, which is decorated with carvings of biblical scenes and saints.

The church has several distinct areas. Along its western facade, you’ll find turrets with pointed towers. The outside of this Notre Dame Church is among the best Romanesque architecture in all of France, and the inside, which is mural-lined and vaulted and dark, is just as impressive.

• Église Saint-Hilaire

Built in the 11th century on what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Hilaire, the first known Bishop of Poitiers, the church has been on the route to Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

The church was seriously damaged during the Wars of Religion and subsequently left in ruins after the French Revolution.

Extensive reconstruction began in 1875. The sight of all those columns and the overall majesty of the building is enough to make anyone pause and make sure they’re captured in photos.

The Poitiers courts are currently located in the Palace of Justice and are among the most beautiful structures in the city. The Counts of Poitou and the Dukes of Aquitaine once used this building as their headquarters hundreds of years ago.

The building’s dining hall is its crowning feature. It was built in the 12th century by Eleanor of Aquitaine. This dining area here is among the largest in all of Europe. 

The exterior, meanwhile,  features a lovely little garden and a plaque detailing its history. Joan of Arc may have been questioned here before being permitted to lead the army of King Charles VII.

The Musee Sainte-Croix is a modest museum with some noteworthy exhibits, such as sculptures by Rodin and artifacts from the region’s prehistoric past. This glass and concrete structure stands on the site of the former Abbaye Sainte-Croix.

The museum has permanent displays of art from ancient times to the Middle Ages and even to the present day.

Visit the archaeological department while you’re here to see some fascinating Roman artifacts and evidence of recent excavations. You can explore the various displays spread out over three stories.

 Espace Mendes showcases innovative enterprise, research, outcomes, and processes.

The city’s concentration of educational institutions and research institutions inspired the establishment of this hub. It’s located near the cathedral and first opened in 1989. The building now serves as a science museum and cultural hub for the technical arts.

The Festival de France is one of many annual film festivals held in this space. Come here to observe a wide variety of displays, shows, and exhibitions. Educational topics are best presented through the arts here at this one-of-a-kind center.  

The rue de la Chaîne is widely considered to be among Poitiers’ finest streets. Walking among the medieval half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron gas lamps is like entering a different time and place entirely.

The majestic Hôtel Fumé may be seen as you ascend the hill near the street René Descartes. It was constructed around 1480, making it a great specimen of Gothic architecture.

The initial structure was then enlarged by the architect’s son, François Fumée, in the 16th century. Up until the 18th century, when it was sold, the family lived there continuously.

After changing hands a few times, in 1919 it was purchased by the University of Poitiers.

The Parc de Blossac is one of the most stunning parks in all of France. This area of broad boulevards and open spaces was initiated by the Count of Blossac in the middle of the 18th century.

There is a walkway that leads down to the right bank of the Clain River from the park, which is bordered by remnants of the old city walls. French-style parterres dominate the park, with straight roads flanked by topiaries.

Explore the park and see the flower beds, manmade river, statues, grotto, and small menagerie housing guinea pigs, parakeets, and rabbits. If you want to rest a bit from walking, stop by the lovely English garden.

Poitiers is home to the municipal park and botanical garden known as the Jardin des Plantes de Poitiers, located at 1 rue du Jardin des Plantes.

Le Coq Paschal, dean of the School of Medicine at Poitiers, founded the original Jardin des Plantes in 1621. It was moved eight times before finally settling in its current location on the historic grounds of the Hôtel Dieu. 

The current garden design takes inspiration from formal English parks and features winding paths, a pond, a waterfall, and a grotto.

The garden is home to a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including but not limited to the following: Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara, Diospyros kaki, Ginkgo biloba, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur pyramidalis, Sequoiadendron, Taxodium distichum, and Taxus baccata.

The French amusement park Parc du Futuroscope is centered on audio-visual, multimedia, Futuroscope, and cinematic approaches.

This is not your typical amusement park, yet it will nonetheless be enjoyable for all visitors, whether they are seasoned tourists, first-time tourists, or families.

Bring your children with you because this place offers a wide variety of interactive activities that are designed specifically for children.

Since 1987, it has been synonymous with moving picture technology, and all of its various attractions are centered on one’s ability to see. In addition to that, it offers visitors of every age both educational and recreational opportunities.

A shuttle bus service is available for those who wish to arrive here. In addition to that, Futuroscope is very simple to go to from the airport in Poitiers.

The French are well-known for their deep affection for cheese, haute cuisine, and excellent wine. Poitiers’ reputation as a center for wine and tapas culture shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

This city is home to several wine bars and cellars that provide patrons with one-of-a-kind experiences and assemblages. Try some of the best wines that France has to offer l, along with imported varieties from Spain to South America while in Poitiers.

Some of the delicious specialties that can be sampled along with wine include the Spanish tortilla, empanadas, handmade paté, cheeses, and charcuterie.

Where to stay in Poitiers

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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What to do in Poitiers: 13 Things to Do in 2024

Wondering what to do in poitiers and the best places to visit i’ve got you covered..

Until recently, the only time I’d visited the city of  Poitiers  was to use the train station to take trips to Paris. But then I read the trilogy of books by Elizabeth Chadwick on Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Table of Contents

As a result, I became fascinated with Poitiers, the place she was born and a big part of her court life as the Duchess of Aquitaine.

What I discovered about Poitiers, apart from its fantastic history, was a vibrant city of culture that was exciting to explore. It’s filled with boutique shops, boulangeries, patisseries and even a fromagerie.

This guide on  what to do in Poitiers  will help you find the best places to visit, plus everything you need to know before you go to enhance your trip.

My Top Hotel Pick

In a hurry and don’t have time to read the whole article?

The Mecure Poitiers

If you want a hotel with character by the bucketful mixed with great service then you can’t go far wrong.

What to do in Poitiers?

If you love French and English history then Poitiers will have you spellbound. Not only is the city centre full of medieval buildings but it so easy to walk around. There are several squares full of cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.

It was in this city that Eleanor of Aquitaine spent a lot of her life, and was possibly born. She went on to become Queen of France and then Queen of England putting the city of Poitiers firmly on the map.

But before we dive into what to do in Poitiers, lets cover a few of the basics to prepare you for your trip.

Where is Poitiers?

Poitiers is in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of Western France on the River Clain and even has its own international airport. It’s the capital of the Vienne department and the main hub for the Poitou region.

Is Poitiers worth visiting?

I cannot recommend Poitiers highly enough. Not only will it fill your mind with stories of the olden days of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s rule, but there are some fabulous restaurants and bars, as well as beautiful gardens, cobbled streets and churches.

In fact, due to the number of churches in this area, Poitiers is known as ​​ “la ville aux cent clochers” (the town of a hundred steeples).

And don’t get me started on the buildings. Whilst it doesn’t have quite the same amount of medieval houses as somewhere like Rouen , I discovered old 12th century buildings around every corner.

The Weather in Poitiers

It rarely gets below 10 degrees in the winter with warm summers where the temperatures tend to sit around 25-30 degrees.

And with an average of 1,900 hours of sunshine each year , there is no shortage of balmy summer evenings sitting outside enjoying the sunset.

Is Poitiers safe?

Poitiers is a university town and is very safe with a low crime rate. It’s often overlooked in favour of other towns in the region, such as  La Rochelle  with its stunning harbour,  Angouleme  as the comic capital of Europe, and  Cognac  for its famous drink by the same name.

However, when it comes to being a safe city, Poitiers is the safest out of the four.

What is Poitiers in France known for?

There is so much more to Poitiers than just churches.

As I mentioned, it was home to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the only Queen to be married to two Kings from rival countries, France and England. She’s also one of the most written about  women in French history . 

Orphaned at the tender age of 15, she inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine, the most powerful dukedom outside of France at the time. Louis VI of France became her legal guardian, and she married his son, the Dauphin, Louis VII, who was only 16 himself.

This powerful alliance gave France access to Aquitaine through marriage, but after failing to produce any sons, the marriage was eventually annulled by mutual consent.

Eleanor then married Henry Plantagenet, who became Henry II of England. She bore Henry eight children in total, one of whom was Richard the Lionheart, said to be her favourite son.

Poitiers was where Eleanor spent a lot of time both as a child and during her reign as the Duchess of Aquitaine.

Poitiers was also the scene of one of the biggest battles in the Hundred Years’ War on September 19th 1356.

The English Prince Edward, known as the Black Prince, defeated King John II of France, retaining Aquitaine and keeping it under English rule.

What to do in Poitiers on the trail of Eleanor of Aquitaine

If you love history as much as I do then there are plenty of historic areas of the city to visit. As a big part of this history, there are some places to add to your list where you’ll find stories about Eleanor of Aquitaine.

No 1 – St Pierre Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Poitiers)

I’m starting with the cathedral where Eleanor was crowned Duchess of Aquitaine alongside her husband, Louis VII, who was crowned Duke of Aquitaine.

Then when she married Henry II of England after her marriage to Louis VII was annulled, the cathedral again played host.

It’s a magnificent building that was constructed on top of the ruins of an old Roman basilica.

You can just imagine the bells ringing out to celebrate the wedding of Henry and Eleanor with her subjects lining the streets.

It was common at weddings of this sort for small loaves of bread and silver coins to be thrown into the crowds. I would imagine it’s one of the reasons events like this were so popular with the peasants.

You’ll notice a stained glass window depicting Eleanor, Henry and their four sons in the background which was donated by the couple themselves.

No 2 – The Palace of Justice (Palais des comtes de Poitou-Ducs d’Aquitaine )

It was here that Eleanor spent a lot of time, as a child and as the Duchess of Aquitaine. In the heart of old Poitiers, it’s a reminder of times gone by, although nothing like its former glory.

Overlooking the River Boivre this fortress was originally surrounded by moats and separated from the rest of the city.

So many things happened here during Eleanor’s life from the time she spent there with Louis VII and her wedding night with Henry II, to witnessing royal council meetings with people like Thomas Beckett.

But it was the period between 1168 – 1173 that she spent some of her happiest times attending to the administration that came with the Duchy of Aquitaine.

During this time, Eleanor commissioned the Great Hall, or Salle des Pas Perdus (hall of lost footsteps), to be built. It was the largest in Europe at 50 m x 17m.

She wanted somewhere to host grand events and showcase her power as both Queen of England and Duchess of Aquitaine.

After years of being undermined by both her husbands, this was her domain, and she filled it with troubadours, dancing and fun.

It was a place of glittering celebrations and became known as “ the courts of love” . 

Before Eleanor was born, her grandfather, Count William IX, known for his love of life and women, had a donjon, or fortified tower, added for his mistress, Eleanor’s grandmother. 

He then arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of his mistress, Eleanor’s parents.

If those walls could talk just imagine the stories they’d tell.

No 3 – Blossac Park

Eleanor also commissioned ramparts around the city although they are no longer visible today. However, there are some remains in Blossac Park.

The park was built towards the end of the 17th century on the initiative of Count de Blossac, Intendant of Poitou.

It’s a beautiful area covering 9 hectares featuring an English garden, French garden and theatre where many open-air concerts are held.

No 4 – Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

Although not in Poitiers, Fontevraud Abbey is only 50 miles north in Saumur and played an important role in the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Founded in 1101 by Robert d’Arbrissel, it’s unusual in that it was a monastery for both monks and nuns, and Robert decreed the abbey should be ruled by an abbess who was a widow and not a virgin.

There were 36 abbesses in total with one of them being Henry’s Aunt and first cousin, Mathilde.

Eleanor visited the abbey on several occasions to meet Mathilde and it became her escape from the world. In fact, when she supported her sons in their rebellion against their father, Henry II, she took refuge in the abbey. 

From there, she set out in disguise as a man to meet up with her sons in Paris. However, she was unfortunately caught by the Kingsmen and eventually transferred to England, where she began her long imprisonment until Henry’s death.

She later retired to the Abbey before her death and did indeed die within the Abbey walls.

It’s here that you can see the effigies with the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son Richard the Lionheart and Isabella of Angouleme, wife of John Lackland, their youngest son.

Ever the strategic game player, it was Eleanor herself who designed the tombs, with hers depicting her reading a book. She wanted to create a dynasty even in death.

Other things to do in Poitiers

No 5 – église saint-hilaire le grand.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 as a pilgrimage church on the road to Santiago de Compostela, it was built in the 11th century, supposedly upon the tomb of Saint Hilary, the first known Bishop of Poitiers. 

It was the main church for a neighbourhood that sprung up around it and was protected by its own enclosures. In the 12th century, during the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, it became part of a bigger walled enclosure.

It’s in this church that Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor’s 3rd and favourite son, received his ducal power.

It suffered badly during the Wars of Religion and was then ruined and abandoned during the French Revolution. It was rebuilt extensively in 1875.

It’s quite something to see with all its columns and a certain grandeur to it that really takes your breath away.

No 6 – The Devil’s Staircase (The Legend)

Not far from Saint-Hilaire church is one of many sets of steps you’ll find in Poitiers called The Devil’s Staircase, or Les Escaliers du Diable in French. It starts at Boulevard Achard and goes up to the Rue Cuvier.

I love a good story or legend, and this one is really quite funny, and it’s set during the reconstruction of Saint-Hilaire church in the 11th century.

Apparently, according to legend, the devil was not a fan of St Hilaire. In fact, he was scared of him and saw him as a threat so didn’t want the new church built. 

This being the case, he started to work against the masons building the church. As they placed the stones he would come back at night and remove them.

The masons began to wonder what was going on so set up a night watch to see what was happening.

Put off by the night watch standing guard night after night the devil eventually abandoned what he was doing. Not, however, before he had one almighty passing of wind on the staircase.

So much so, that the steps became known as “ the stone that stank ”. How much truth there is to that is anyone’s guess, but it’s a great story nonetheless.

No 7 – Musée Sainte-Croix

Poitiers is known for its art and culture and I like to think that Eleanor of Aquitaine was the champion behind this. Her love of music, arts and culture was well known, and it was during her time that the Troubadours of Aquitaine came into their own.

The museum was originally built in 1820, but it was in 1974 that it was completely rebuilt on the site of the former Abbaye Sainte-Croix.

The exhibitions are fascinating and cover a wide period in history including prehistory and the Middle Ages to more modern contemporary pieces.

It’s a great place to take the kids as they offer some hands-on workshops that they can get involved in allowing them to practice their artistic skills. It keeps them occupied whilst learning at the same time.

For more details on visiting the museum click here >>>

No 8 – Baptistère Saint-Jean

Welcome to the oldest surviving church in France , built in the 4th century and reconstructed in the 7th century to what we see today.

Its most unusual feature would have to be the baptism pool, and yes, I said pool. Octagonal in shape, people would be completely immersed in the pool during baptism rather than bending over a font to have water poured over their heads.

This pool was used until around the 8th century.

In the baptistry, you’ll find a museum containing Merovingian sarcophagus covers, amongst other things. It’s an absolutely fascinating collection and even includes a Carolingian altar table which you can see in the apse.

No 9 – Église Notre-Dame la Grande

The Église Notre-Dame la Grande is a Poitevan Romanesque church which was one of four other churches in Poitiers that had the name Notre-Dame, all of which have now gone.

The facade we see today was completed in the 12th century, during the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and was built over the top of an 11th-century building.

It’s the facade which has everyone in awe and people flocking to it to stand and gaze. Even the locals can’t help but be mesmerised. It’s like a storybook made of stone with all the sculptures and statues.

You’ll see the 12 apostles carved out of stone above an arched doorway and numerous other statues, including Adam and Eve, and many others.

The inside of the church is quite simple in comparison but still worth a look. You’ll see some paintings on the columns that have been undiscovered until recently when the columns were restored.

No 10 – Hôtel Fumé

One of my favourite streets in Poitiers is the rue de la Chaîne. It really is like stepping into the pages of a history book with all the medieval half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and wrought iron gas lights. 

As you go up the hill towards rue René Descartes, you’ll see the imposing building that is Hôtel Fumé. 

It’s the perfect example of showy Gothic architecture, and the land was inherited by Pierre Fumé, mayor of the city, upon the death of his father-in-law.

It was around 1480 that Pierre started to build there at the back of the courtyard using the Gothic style that was so popular at that time.

Then in the 16th century, François Fumée, his son, had the original building extended. The family continued to live there until the 18th century when it was sold.

It changed hands a couple of times and was sold for the final time in 1919 to the University of Poitiers.

No 11 – Hôtel Berthelot

Situated between rue de la Chaîne and rue des Carmélites is Hôtel Berthelot, a 16th-century Renaissance house built by René Berthelot.

René was a prominent figure in Poitiers and became mayor in 1529, around the time when the house was built.

You’ll find his initials inscribed in the courtyard, and his coat of arms can be seen in several areas of the building.

As with Hôtel Fumé, it also belongs to the University of Poitiers and houses the Centre for Higher Studies in Medieval Civilization (CESCM), or Center d’études supérieures de civilisation médiévale.

To find out more about the building visit the University website here >>>

No 12 – Place du Maréchal-Leclerc

The square has a very different feel to the rest of Poitiers but still has a history all of its own.

In the Middle Ages, it was more of a marketplace filled with stalls and during Eleanor of Aquitaine’s time, was a thriving hub of the economic community. It was known as the market square and named “Place du Marché Vieil”.

Things changed in the 17th century, and it was renamed “Place Royale” with a statue of Louis XIV in the centre. During the French Revolution, the statue was destroyed, and it was briefly renamed “Place Nationale” until returning to “Place Royale” during the Restoration.

In 1830 it was renamed once again, this time to “Place d’Armes” to reflect the military parades held there.

It wasn’t until 1948 that it became Place du Maréchal-Leclerc, named after Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hautecloque who had gone to school in Poitiers.

Rather than showcasing medieval architecture, it is reminiscent of La Belle Époque with lots of lovely art deco buildings.

No 13 – Église Sainte-Radegonde

Radegonde was a formidable woman and Frankish Queen who founded the first abbey for women, Sainte-Marie of Poitiers, in 552. Escaping a brutal marriage, she found refuge in the church and dedicated the rest of her life to helping the poor and needy. 

She reportedly performed many miracles, and in 569, after sending some hand-sewn cloth to the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian, she received, in return, a piece of the Holy Cross.

She died in 587 and was buried in the church she’d built outside the city walls, the church of Sainte-Radegonde.

Many pilgrims travel to visit the church from around the world to pay homage to Radegonde. And although you can see her tomb, it is not original and is thought to date back to the late 10th century.

The church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, so you’ll see remnants from across the centuries through the architecture.

Day trips from Poitiers

Futuroscope.

Just outside of Poitiers is Futuroscope, a multimedia theme park with 22 main attractions. Now I’m not a big one for rides, they usually make me turn a shade of green, but I wanted to at least try a couple so I could tell you about them.

Well, what can I say? I did turn green, but I had fun at the same time.

The best ride, without a doubt, is the Vienne Dynamique, housed within a pavilion where water is the star attraction and where a big waterfall covers the walls.

You’re taken on a journey of a wedding day where a groom is late for his wedding. With him, you take part in a car chase through back streets, fly over the Vienne, jump off a train and hop into a boat going down a river at top speed.

It’s scary and exhilarating all at the same time.

You’ll also hear the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry as he narrates a story in the amazing IMAX 4K laser cinema.

And if you have time, you definitely want to try out the nighttime shows, put on by Cirque du Soleil.

In all honesty, you need two days to fully explore what this park has to offer. It’s such a great day out.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FUTUROSCOPE >>>

Chateau de Coussay

If you love fairytale-inspired chateaux, then Chateau de Coussay is well worth a visit. Surrounded by a moat with stunning conical towers, it is one of the first castles of the French Renaissance period.

Although it’s privately owned, the family often arranges tours, and you can find out more by visiting the website .

Restaurants in Poitiers

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in Poitiers. But as I never like recommending places I’ve not been to I’m giving you a run down on the places I’ve actually eaten at.

Les Archives

If you like a place where the architecture stars alongside the food then you’ll love this restaurant. It’s located in the nave of an old 19th-century church with beautiful high ceilings and arches.

Built in 1852 it’s part of the Mecure Poitiers and is right near TAP (Theatre Auditorium of Poitiers).  The food is fantastic and I loved the fact that I could see things being prepared. I had the grilled John Dory which was wonderful and I could have eaten twice over.

They also have a great cocktail menu so don’t forget to try one whilst you’re there.

It’s incredibly popular so make sure you book in advance so you aren’t disappointed.

📍 LOCATION: 14 Rue Edouard-Grimaux, Poitiers | 🌐 WEBSITE: Book a Table

If you’re after more of a brasserie then definitely give 16 Carnot a try. When I went there was a great jazz vibe going on and we went for brunch.

The decor is lovely and you feel instantly relaxed when you’re inside. The food was good and I’d love to go back and try it for lunch or dinner.

📍 LOCATION: 16 Rue Carnot, Poitiers | 🌐 WEBSITE: Book a Table

I went here with my daughter on her last trip to France and we had a great lunch. You can’t go wrong with a two-course meal for €15 each.

As the name would suggest it’s a rooftop bar and restaurant giving you spectacular views over Poitiers. What’s not to love?

They also have live music and entertainment at different times and it’s one not to miss, even if you just go for a drink like I did.

📍 LOCATION: 6 Rue de la Marne, Poitiers | 🌐 WEBSITE: Book a Table

La Guinguette de Poitiers

If you want something a little more relaxed then this is the perfect place to go. Now this isn’t a restaurant but more a  hidden gem  by the water with lots of water-style activities.

But that’s not all. It’s also home to 12 or so food trucks offering all sorts of different types of food. My favourite was Sawadee, the Pad Thai was yummy.

You’ll find it on Tison Island, an old industrial wasteland that’s been transformed into a waterside paradise on the banks of the Clain complete with a floating walkway.

📍 LOCATION: 5 Chem. de Tison, Poitiers | 🌐 WEBSITE: Book a Table

Republic Corner

More food trucks. This time in an old hangar. This is a bar and somewhere to grab a bite to eat and really is a great experience with friends.

They also offer a rather cool cashless card experience which you can top up online before you go which saves you worrying about taking cash or credit cards.

📍 LOCATION: 19 Rue de la République, Poitiers | 🌐 WEBSITE: Book a Table

Hotels in Poitiers

Mercure poitiers.

It might be part of the big chain of hotels from Accor but there is nothing chainlike about this hotel. 

The building was originally a Jesuit chapel built in 1854 and is also home to Les Archives restaurant I mentioned earlier.

If you want character by the bucketful mixed with great service that manages to make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel then you can’t go far wrong.

I’ve seen the rooms here and you can’t fail to be impressed. The vaulted ceilings are to die for and you can feel the history pouring from the walls .

Perfectly positioned just a few hundred metres walk from the city centre you have everything on your doorstep.

Check Rates & Availability at Mecure Poitiers >>>

Le Grand Hôtel

This four-star Best Western hotel is right in the heart of downtown Poitiers on a quiet street with plenty of restaurants within walking distance.

With only 41 rooms it doesn’t feel too big or impersonal and its convenient location makes it an easy choice.

It’s also listed in the Le Guide Michelin .

Check Rates & Availability at Grand Hôtel >>>

Appartements Les remparts d’Alienor

Whenever I go anywhere I always prefer to stay either in a gite or an apartment so I don’t have to eat all my meals in restaurants. 

Privately owned, there are four apartments available and within walking distance from all the main attractions. They have great reviews and Véronique is the perfect host.

Check Rates & Availability at Appartements Les remparts d’Alienor >>>

This one is more of a gite than anything else and has lovely modern decor. There is everything you’d expect from accommodation of this type, including a lounge, bedroom and kitchen.

It’s only a few minutes walk from the train station making it easy to get to.

Check Rates & Availability at Le Loft >>>

Getting to Poitiers

Poitiers has its own international airport serviced by Ryanair but the flights are limited. I recommend also checking Limoges airport which is just over 100 km drive. Then it’s easy enough to hire a car at the airport.

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The train station at Poitiers is pretty big and I come here when I’m going to Paris as you can get a direct train in under two hours from Paris to Poitiers. There are also great train connections from Angouleme, Bordeaux, and Limoges.

Check your train options here >>>

The main route to Poitiers from Paris is the A10 and it will take just under four hours. Limoges to Poitiers takes around 2 hours and from Bordeaux just under 3 hours.

FAQS Things to do in Poitiers

A couple of questions about visiting the city of Poitiers that might help you plan your trip.

What are the top attractions to visit in Poitiers?

Poitiers, France is home to a number of must-see attractions. The city boasts the magnificent Poitiers Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture that has stood for centuries. Futuroscope is a unique, futuristic theme park that is popular with both families and adults on their own. Lastly, don’t miss the chance to explore the picturesque old town, with its charming narrow streets and historic buildings.

What are the most popular things to do in Poitiers with kids?

For families travelling with children, Poitiers offers a wealth of fun-filled activities. The number one spot has to be Futuroscope , a high-tech amusement park with rides and shows that are both educational and entertaining. “ The Extraordinary Journey “, is the most popular ride and is a flying theatre that takes you on a magical tour around the world. For those fascinated by history, a visit to the Medieval Quarter will feel like stepping into a time machine, with its cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture. Trinity Abbey also offers workshops for children during the school holidays, where they can learn about calligraphy, illumination, and medieval cuisine. And let’s not forget the City of the Written Word and Book Professions, a place that will inspire young writers and readers alike, offering interactive exhibits and workshops on writing, printing, and bookbinding.

What is Poitiers famous for?

Poitiers is historically famous for the Battle of Poitiers, a significant conflict during the Hundred Years’ War. This epic battle took place on September 19, 1356, near Poitiers, France. Fought between the English, under Edward, the Black Prince, and the French under King John II, this battle was a major English victory. The King of France himself was captured, which marked a turning point in the war.

Final Thoughts: What to do in Poitiers

If you love history and what to go somewhere that isn’t one of the main tourist attractions like Bordeaux, then Poitiers is the perfect city to visit.

There are so many historic stories to enjoy and it’s so easy to stroll through. If the Romanesque heritage isn’t enough to draw you in then indulge in the many murals, culture and art.

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Kylie Lang is the founder of Life in Rural France. She moved to France in 2016 and lives in the beautiful Charente region in the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Through the blog, she showcases the best places to visit in France, especially in the South West. From chateaux and winery tours to hotels and restaurants, she has first-hand experience of life in France.

Must-see attractions in Poitiers

Église Notre Dame la Grande

The celebrated western façade of this Romanesque church was exquisitely sculpted in soft gold stone between 1115 and 1130. Spot the temptation of Adam and…

Baptistère St-Jean

Constructed in the 4th and 5th centuries on Roman foundations, this ginger-stone baptistery formed part of the episcopal ensemble with the cathedral, 100m…

Église St-Hilaire le Grand

Consecrated in 1049, used as a warehouse during the Revolution and partly rebuilt in the 19th century, this grandiose Romanesque church appears on Unesco…

Palais de Justice

Today it houses the law courts, but nearly a thousand years ago this stunning building was the seat of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine. Its…

Musée Ste-Croix

The 1970s Brutalist architecture of this art museum, built from reinforced concrete, is a shock after the elegance of its ancient episcopal neighbours…

Cathédrale St-Pierre

The town's grand Gothic cathedral safeguards beautiful 13th-century oak-carved choir stalls, an 18th-century organ with more than 3000 pipes and…

Poitiers: what to do, what to see...

What to see.

• The 11th Century Romanesque Notre-Dame-La-Grande church • The old Palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine in the Gothic Angevin style • The Romanesque Saint-Hilaire Church, a UNESCO site on the Way of St James • The exceptional views from the Point de Vue des Dunes overlooking the River Clain • Saint-Pierre Cathedral, built in the Gothic style from 1160 to 1379

• Romanesque art, paintings from the 14th to 20th C. and the Camille Claudel collection at Musée Sainte Croix • The Notre-Dame-la-Grande market and flea market • Dine at "Les Archives" and stay at Mercure Poitiers Center, housed in a former Jesuit chapel (1854) • The Futuroscope theme park based on science and innovation and the 2nd most visited in France • A show at TAP-Théâtre Auditorium de Poitiers, Scène Nationale

WHAT TO TASTE

• Macarons Rannou Métivier with its tender almond heart • Chabichou PDO goat cheese and other regional cheeses • "Les Pirates du Clain" beers re-fermented in the bottle • Farci Poitevin green pâté made from herbs, pork, onions and eggs • Soft, spongy Tourteau Fromagé cheesecake made with goat cheese

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• Macarons Rannou Métivier • Beers from the regional breweries found at "Le Houblon" • An umbrella from "La fabrique de parapluie" by the François family • Unique and handmade ceramic by Fanny Laugier at her studio • "Broyé du Poitou" a crunchy, buttery biscuit with a light and airy texture

• Plan your trip (External link)

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Former capital of Poitou , the city of Poitiers possesses a rich architectural and religious heritage. Key monument of the historic centre, the Notre-Dame-la-Grande church of the 11th and 12th centuries constitutes a remarkable example of Romanesque art, with its magnificent carved facade dating from the 12th century. Every evening in the summer and during the Christmas holidays, a magnificent light show named Polychromies, restores the bright colours that used to decorate the sculptures on the facade of the church. A magic moment not to be missed...

The visit of Poitiers continues with the imposing Saint-Pierre cathedral, a Gothic building of the 12th and 13th centuries; the Saint-Jean baptistery, one of the most ancient Christian buildings in France; the Palais de Justice (law courts), former palace of the counts of Poitou and the dukes of Aquitaine .

Besides its prestigious monuments, Poitiers abounds with charming narrow streets and lively squares where it is lovely to wander around and pause at one of the numerous cafe and restaurant terraces. Along the stroll, walkers can also admire numerous old houses and mansions, such as the Fumé mansion, the Jehan de Beaucé mansion and the Pélisson mansion.

There is also a good choice of interesting museums, including Sainte-Croix museum with its archaeology and fine art collections, the Rupert de Chièvres museum, which houses 15th- to 18th-century paintings and objets d'art, and the Espace Pierre Mendès France, which puts on science-related exhibitions and special events.

Additional information Poitiers

Poitiers is the capital of the department of Vienne , former "capital" of the region Poitou-Charentes before its integration in New Aquitaine.

In the heart of west-central France, 220 km north of Bordeaux, Poitiers has just over 90,300 inhabitants (nearly 130,000 with its conurbation).

On a military and commercial passage between the Paris Basin and the Aquitaine Basin, west of the Massif Central, Poitiers and its surroundings are known to have been the setting for three major battles: in 507 between Clovis and the Visigoths, 732 between Charles Martel and the Arabs, then in 1356 between John II the Good and the English, masters of the city for twenty years in the fourteenth century.

A stronghold of Christendom since the early Middle Ages, which gave it the nickname of "city with a hundred steeples", while surrounded by fortified walls, Poitiers develops under the dynasty of the counts of Poitou and dukes of Aquitaine, Before embellishing under the Renaissance and hosting a reputable university.

Having preserved its architectural heritage, labeled City of Art and History, Poitiers is also known for the Futuroscope, initiated in the 1980s, a tourist and technological area located however on the communes of its periphery (Jaunay-Clan and Chasseneuil- Poitou): its attractiveness benefited the city, whose heritage had not been impacted by the industrialization of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Things to see and do

As its nickname indicates, Poitiers first offers the visitor an important built heritage religious.

The chronological order will begin with the Baptistery Saint John, considered one of the oldest Christian edifices. Ancient Roman house, it was endowed from the fourth century of a vat so that the baptisms take place by immersion. Later are added a transept and an apse.

Also to see the vestiges of the abbey Sainte-Croix (VI e ).

Dating from the Romanesque period, note among others the church of Sainte-Radegonde (11th) and the church Notre-Dame-la-Grande (11th) and its astonishing bell towers. Still to see the church Saint-Porchaire (XI e ), where was deposited one of the oldest bells of France (XVth).

In addition, the church of Saint-Hilaire de la Celle (12th century) is now the regional center of pedagogical documentation and the church of Saint-Germain the regional conservatory.

And there is no mention of buildings with only a few traces or walls.

A must-see, however, is the Gothic-style Saint-Pierre-et-Paul Cathedral (12th, 15th) and its magnificent stained glass window depicting the Crucifixion.

The Chapel of the Cordeliers (XIIIth), other churches of the XVIIth century or the old chapel of the college of the brothers of Saint-Gabriel (1880) integrated in the hotel of region are also among the innumerable elements of the religious patrimony of Poitiers valant a deviation.

In another place, the vestiges of the wall raised by Eleanor of Aquitaine and its towers or those of the castle initiated by Philippe Auguste are to be seen.

On the residential level, Poitiers is full of old mansions and public buildings testifying to its illustrious political and commercial past.

The palace of the counts of Poitou (12th century) and its former donjon, now a palace of Justice, and its Renaissance houses, most of which are now annexed to the university, will form part of a tour of the city center. Finally, it will include the Grande Poste (Art Nouveau style, 20th century).

Obviously, this route can be carried out freely or by following the thematic routes available (information on +33 5 49 41 21 24).

In the neighborhoods, or to take a break, we will appreciate the various green spaces dotting the city. One thinks of the park of Blossac, created in the XVIII e near the medieval ramparts. Of French style, it was attached to him at the end of XIX e an English garden. A walk also allows to admire several statues and to discover a small animal park.

Another natural "lung" is the Jardin des Plantes, near the old Hôtel Dieu.

A stop at Poitiers must finally include visiting its quality museums.

The Sainte-Croix museum, a contemporary concrete and glass building built in 1974, offers permanent collections in the form of an artistic panorama ranging from Antiquity to the present day. One can admire the major works of Camille Claudel.

In the heart of the old town, the Rupert museum in Chièvres focuses on the period from the 16th to the 18th century.

Finally, the Hypogeum of Mellebaude is an old funerary chapel dating from the High Middle Ages. There are many "Palaeo-Christian" works. This unique space - fragile and in the course of restoration - is open to the public only a few days a year. Information on +33 5 49 41 21 24.

In a completely different way, note that many hiking trails (on foot or by bicycle) crisscross the town and its surroundings, and that seven swimming pools (some discoveries in summer) are available for amateurs: join the +33 5 49 41 21 24.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

In addition to the thematic events taking place at the Futuroscope, on intramural Poitiers, intended especially for the strong student community, many festivals mark the calendar.

This is the case in January of the Electro Weekend electro music festival.

In February, in ten days, the Filmer le Travail festival offers works of fiction or documentaries on the theme of social reality (projections in the different cinemas of the city).

Over three days, the Chamber Music Days offer concerts that sometimes take place in "unusual" places.

In March, the Voix publics festival brings together concerts, exhibitions and meetings on themes inviting debate and reflection.

In April, the A Corps festival offers contemporary choreographic performances for the general public.

In the media library, the editors offer the opportunity to meet authors and publishers.

In June, Jazz at Poitiers offers a varied programming.

Jazz again during July and August with Roaming: musicians perform in some abbeys and churches.

In October, hip-hop festival and expression festival in downtown where young talents have carte blanche.

In December, finally, the Poitiers Film Festival is the opportunity for the young talent of the school of cinema of the city to make itself known.

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Related articles Poitiers

Poitiers travel guide

Visit Poitiers (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

The town of Poitiers is centrally placed in the Poitou-Charentes region, of which it is the administrative capital. Slightly off the main tourist routes, Poitiers is none the less a town steeped in history and this has resulted in a city with a picturesque medieval centre containing numerous sites of interest.

Poitiers is also a university town (the second oldest in France after Paris and the town with one of the biggest student populations) which means it has a vibrant night life and lots of cultural activities. Previous students include Descartes and Francis Bacon.

Exploring Poitiers

When you arrive in Poitiers we suggest you head straight for the tourist office (near the Notre Dame church) and ask for their map of the town with the tourist circuits marked out. There are three circuits each taking around an hour to complete. All three are recommended so allow plenty of time for your visit!

The blue circuit leads you around the most important monuments of Poitiers such as the baptistry, cathedral and church of Notre-Dame, the yellow circuit leads you round the main sights in the historic centre, and the red circuit takes you to the area around the Parc de Blossac.

Religious monuments

Of the many interesting historic buildings in Poitiers it is the religious monuments that dominate a visit. Start your visit with the Eglise Notre-Dame with its very ornate facade dating from the 12th century and an important example of roman style architecture. The interior is also impressive, with its colourful frescoes and patterns painted on many of the columns, as well as further examples of carved stonework.

France This Way review: if you are near Poitiers during the summer, be sure to be near the Notre-Dame church at dusk, when an impressive light display recreates the colours of the cathedral in the Middle Ages.

Now move on to the magnificent Saint Pierre Cathedral, a Gothic building dating from the 12th century and also with an ornate facade. Inside you can see an enormous 18th century organ and some impressive stained glass windows.

Nearby is the rather austere Baptistry of Saint-Jean, dating in part from the 4th century and the oldest Christian monument in France. The building contains a large baptism pool from the days of early christianity when baptism was by full body immersion. You can also see some great frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries in the baptistry.

Although these three are the most important religious monuments in Poitiers there are several other churches that you will discover as you explore such as the imposing square tower of the entrance to the Church of Saint-Porchaire, the Church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand with its carved roman style capital stones (a UNESCO World Heritage site for the Pilgrimage path to Saint John of Compostella), and the crypt in the church of Sainte-Radegonde.

A brief history of medieval Poitiers

Poitiers was the province’s capital city even in Gallo-Roman times but its most famous and prosperous period of history was during the middle ages in the times of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In one of the most turbulent periods of French history, Eleanor had her marriage to Louis VII of France annulled and then married Henry Plantagenet who subsequently became King Henry II of England (1152). As a result large areas of western France including Poitiers passed under English control. Poitiers became an English town as it was part of the dowry she brought to her marriage.

Eleanor liked the city and often spent time there and her support led to the building of some remarkable buildings such as the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande, which is a Romanesque style church. The division of France led to continuous struggles between the English and French, that ultimately led to the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) - the Battle of Poitiers was one of the great English victories of the war.

Other monuments

The streets in the historic centre of Poitiers around the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande are full of lovely medieval architecture with lots of half timbered houses as well as impressive examples of renaissance architecture. The law courts are also very distinctive. Lovely to walk around in, these streets are also full of great shops!

The Jardin des Plantes is not far from here if you want a nice spot to relax for a while.

Other buildings of interest include the 19th century Town Hall and several grand townhouses built during the 17th and 18th centuries such as the Hotel Fumé and the Hotel Berthelot.

To the south of the town centre is the Parc de Blossac, a lovely place to relax and perhaps have a picnic (there are also several other attractive parks in Poitiers). Although it is a short walk outside the town centre, this is one of the main attractions in Poitiers, and as well as the plants and trees there are children play areas and a chance for children to see small animals.

The Museum Sainte-Croix has examples of local paintings as well as items of local historical and archaeological interest.

Near to Poitiers

In the vicinity the villages of Chauvigny , Montmorillon , Châtellerault , Loudun and Civray are all worth a visit. The cave system at La Norée is recommended, and the abbey at Nouaille-Maupertuis is another impressive example of roman style architecture just a few kilometres from Poitiers.

Also close to Poiters for those of you with children Futuroscope is a great theme park packed with virtual reality rides and shows.

You can find more travel ideas in the Vienne guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide .

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Map of poitiers and places nearby, visit near poitiers with france this way reviews.

Futuroscope

Futuroscope is one of the most popular attractions in France!

Nouaille-Maupertuis

Visit Nouaille-Maupertuis to see the substantial Abbey of Saint Junien

We especially enjoyed exploring the castles along the hilltop when visiting Chauvigny

Chatellerault

The quiet regional town of Chatellerault has some notable 18th century townhouses

Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe

The highlight here is of course the Abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, certainly the best example of roman style architecture anywhere in Poitou-Charentes

La Roche-Posay

The castle donjon and the medieval gateway are the main historical monuments in the spa town of La Roche-Posay

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vienne

Tourist classifications for Poitiers

Poitiers has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé)

Address: Poitiers, Poitou-Charentes, 86000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.5819, longitude 0.336112

Plan your visit to Poitiers, Vienne

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Poitiers église Saint-Hilaire le Grand (monuments on French pilgrim routes) : heritage site
• Abbaye de Nouaillé-Mauperthuis (Nouaille-Maupertuis): religious monument (10 km)
• Futuroscope : theme park (10 km)
• Laverré: remarkable garden (15 km)
• Vivonne: village d'etape (18 km)
• Touffou: remarkable garden (20 km)
• Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lusignan): religious monument (23 km)
• Eglise de Saint Maurice (Saint-Maurice-la-Clouere): religious monument (23 km)
• Chauvigny : recommended detour (24 km)
• Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chauvigny): religious monument (24 km)
• Jardin du château de La Mothe: remarkable garden (27 km)
• Sanxay: national monument (28 km)

Market days in Poitiers, France

Regular market(s) are held in Poitiers each Wednesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday all day & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Poitiers (Francais)

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‘Enticed through the gates of heaven’: readers’ best French beaches

Rockpools, pine trees, sand, surf and sunshine … our tipsters recall gorgeous beaches from Normandy to the Côte Vermeille

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Winning tip: As seen from a train window, Côte d’Azur

We spotted the beach at Èze on the train back to Nice after a hot sweaty day trip to Monaco – we couldn’t resist jumping off the train and heading down for a dip in the clear water we saw. A long wide bay, framed by mountains felt a million miles away from the crowded beaches in Nice – and as an added bonus for anyone who has almost broken their ankles on the rocks at Nice, this beach is of small smooth pebbles. A small slice of paradise on the busiest section of the Côte d’Azur. Jake A

Pining for the Vendée

The island of Noirmoutier, off the Vendée coast, is a cyclist’s and beach-lover’s paradise. The Noirmoutier Bridge is toll-free, spectacular and has a bike lane. Time your journey right and you can also cross via the beautiful Passage du Gois causeway. Once on the island there is a variety of beaches to choose from. Our favourite is the seven-kilometre-long Barbȃtre beach. It has a long stretch of fine golden sand, backed by pine forests, and you can find solitude and relaxation, or take part in activities including sand-yachting and windsurfing. The nearby nature reserve, Sébastopol Polder , offers great birdwatching. ile-noirmoutier.com Kevin

Hive of activities, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

With a modest hipster, surfer presence but retaining the quaint qualities of the French coast, Contis-Plage, in the Landes department about 110km south of Bordeaux, is simply a great beach. With a large but rather upmarket camping , a relatively swanky hotel and lots of rentals, Contis caters to all. As well as surf and two superb beaches (the main one and the slightly more remote Contis Sud) it offers a calm river for paddleboarding and a pine forest to cycle in.. cotelandesnaturetourisme.co.uk Victoria

Plonk yourself in a calanque, near Marseille

Tucked away in the sheltered bays between Marseille and Cassis are Les Calanques (defined as narrow steep sided coves) and my favourite beach: Calanque d’en Vau. The hour hike from Cassis along cliff tops on pine-perfumed paths offers a heavenly reward – a descent down steps cut into limestone cliffs to a celestial cove of pebbles and sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s like being enticed through the gates of heaven. Take plenty of water and a good book and sink into the sand for the rest of the day, enjoying the views of the jagged cliffs, the lush vegetation and the air. Yasmin

Untamed and glittering, Provence

East of Toulon is Île de Porquerolles, largest of the Îles d’Hyères. A remote stretch of sand separates the untamed trees from the glittering sea – Plage Notre-Dame . Stepping off the €24 ferry from Hyères the only way to reach the beach is on foot or by bicycle; there are no cars allowed on the island. This makes for a peaceful journey through a pine forest, easily traversed in trainers or flip-flops. As you approach the beach from the cliffs above there is a breathtaking view of the unspoiled sand. It’s also a very safe beach – shallow water caused by a sandbank means you can walk out to sea for about 300 metres. hyeres-tourism.co.uk Alexandra Richards

Fauvism and sand, Côte Vermeille

Imagine St Ives but on the stunning Côte de Vermeille, on the Med near the border with Spain. Galleries, cafes and restaurants line car-free shady alleys. Collioure wraps itself around the perfect arc of the bay and brightly coloured houses hang on hillsides. You can wander in the footsteps of Matisse and Derain, who invented fauvism here. Take a coffee in one of the portside cafes and then feel the warm sand between your toes and paddle on one of the four beaches. But if the bustle is too much, my secret tip is a 30-minute hike north-east over the cliffs to sand-and-pebble Plage de l’Ouille . No roads come to this enchanted spot. Simon

Oysters and cider, Carantec, west Brittany

There are countless fabulous near-deserted beaches all over Brittany but our family’s favourite is the beautiful Plage du Kelenn in Carantec. It has everything youngsters could possibly need. Golden sand but with a scattering of rock pools, a bit of surf but not too rough and a cracking diving board. For the grownups I can heartily recommend the oysters and Breton cider at the friendly Paradiso Plage restaurant. Matt Croxall

Beach of my dreams, Dinard, east Brittany

I found the idyllic beach of my dreams at Prieuré , just south of Dinard on the Côte d’Émeraude. It’s easy to get to: just catch a ferry to Saint-Malo from Portsmouth then cross the Rance estuary by ferry in 20 minutes, or drive round (also 20 minutes). Plage du Prieuré is a super sandy crescent with a gently sloping shore, a flowery promenade, rock pools to the west, foodie delights to the east, and even beachcombing treasures. Kate Harris

Hulot’s haven, south Brittany

When the great French film director Jacques Tati was looking for the perfect beach setting for the adventures of his endearing clown, Monsieur Hulot, he was thrilled to find Saint-Marc-sur-Mer . On Brittany’s Atlantic Coast and easy to get to from Nantes, the beach itself is the star. Not a lot has changed since 1951. We stayed in the hotel that served as the film’s backdrop, walked along the accessible clifftops to adjoining beaches suitable for solo travellers, families and even nudists, and paused for selfies with the lifesize statue of Hulot, still casting a quizzical eye over this magical spot. Robert Massey

Family affair, Normandy

A family favourite beach in Normandy is Plage de Carolles , in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel near Granville (which provides an excellent back-up in wet weather). With excellent sandy stretches and rock pools overlooked by cliffs and the occasional hang glider, we’ve spent many happy days on holiday here searching for cockles, mussels and other shellfish before eating moules-frites at its cafes or picnicking with fresh baguettes and salad before driving back to a cottage in the beautiful Normandy countryside, sun-baked and sandy. Alice

• This article was amended on 12 May to clarify that the winning tip was for Éze beach, close to the railway station, not neighbouring Éze-sur-Mer (which is pictured)

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• 1 Understand
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Poitiers is a city in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France .

Understand [ edit ]

Poitiers is a pleasant, relatively small city of around 85,000 inhabitants that has strong medieval roots. It is on the Clain river.

Charles Martel changed the course of French and European history near Poitiers in 732 by halting the advancing Moors in the Battle of Tours, which was the first decisive Christian victory over the Moorish invaders. The battle took place just a few kilometres north of the city.

There isn't a lot to see in Poitiers. To be honest and to make a long story short, it's a boring place.

Get in [ edit ]

Poitiers is roughly 350 km (220 mi) due south of Paris , 120 km (75 mi) East of the Atlantic Coast.

By car [ edit ]

Halfway between Paris and Bordeaux on the motorway A10, Poitiers can be a nice place to stay for a couple of days on a trip to other destinations in the South West region of France.

By train [ edit ]

The journey from Paris (Montparnasse station) to Poitiers takes 90 min on the TGV high speed train. Upon arrival, the city centre is straight ahead out of the station, on the top of the hill.

By plane [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

• Poitiers Bus Station ( Gare Routière de Poitiers ), 52 Bd du Grand Cerf, 86000 Poitiers . Open 24/7 . Located right next to the train station, it links Poitiers to others cities through the Nouvelle-Aquitaine as well as Eurolines buses  

Get around [ edit ]

Given the small size of the city centre, walking is the best way to get around. All the main attractions, apart from Futuroscope, are within reasonable walking distance of each other.

Poitiers' train and bus stations are next to each other. Nearby towns, cities, and local attractions can be reached by bus, operated by Vitalis .

See [ edit ]

As stated above, there isn't a lot to see in Poitiers, but it is a pleasant small city, and visitors will find it has a relaxed atmosphere, especially compared to Paris. Poitiers is also a good base to visit nearby towns like La Rochelle or Tours.

• City Centre . Has a small square called "La Place d'Armes" in front of the Town Hall, which is surrounded by cafes, where you can sit down with a glass of wine or coffee or get something to eat. It is being refurbished; the whole area is now a pedestrian only zone. It gets packed on weekends, especially during summer. Other parts of the town may give you an impression of a ghost town, especially during lunchtime, when the shops are closed. ( updated Feb 2018 )
• Baptistry of St. John . One of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe, dating back to 4th century. Inside, you can see the baptismal pool on the floor. ( updated Feb 2018 )

Do [ edit ]

• Poitier's Ice Rink ( La Patinoire ), 84 rue des carmélites ( The "Patinoire" bus stop is located right next to the skating rink. ). Entry for adults is 4$, more info on website .  

Learn [ edit ]

The local university, the Université de Poitiers [formerly dead link] , has over 24,000 students. Poitiers is the French town with the largest proportion of students in the population, around 25%.

Buy [ edit ]

"Macaroons from Montmorillon", a local speciality delicious with a coffee or tea, and great as a gift. These can be found at Rannou Metivier, which has two shops in Poitiers' town centre (30, rue des cordeliers and 13bis, rue des cordeliers).

"Le Broyé du Poitou", the Crushed of the Poitou, a biscuit the size of a cookie that is called this way because it was traditionally shared by hitting it of a punch in its centre, hence breaking it. As it is a hard biscuit, it would then yield nibbling size pieces. The Broyé du Poitou can be found in any supermarket in town. The main producer is Goulibeur.

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ].

Although the city is small, the significant student population in the city do make the city alive, even at night. Some places where you can grab a drink are:

46.572751 0.363832 1 Le Palais de la Bière ( Le PLB ), 250 rue du faubourg du Pont Neuf , ☏ +33 05 49 46 28 31 . Monday: 17:00 - 2:00 Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 - 2:00 . A chill pub/bistrot to hang out with many students there. The music inside is nice and diverse, darts and table soccer can be found there. Best if you want to relax with friends! ( updated Jun 2023 )

46.581025 0.33979 2 Wallaby's ( Le Wallab ), 5 Rue du Plat d'Étain , ☏ +33 05 49 55 17 58 , [email protected] . Tuesday & Wednesday: 18:00 - 2:00 Thursday & Friday: 18:00 - 3:00 Saturday: 15:00 - 3:00 . A nightpub right in the center of Poitiers. During the evening it is a very chill place to hang out as it is quite calm but as soon as the night comes, music starts playing and people start dancing. If you're there to party try going on Thursday or Friday nights, people usually come at around midnight. Very safe and welcoming place, many people go there before heading to nightclubs in the city. Although entry is free you must pay for at least one drink. ( updated Jun 2023 )

46.580803 0.338989 3 L'Est-Ouest , 10 rue de l'éperon 86000 Poitiers , ☏ +33 5 49 41 13 36 , [email protected] . Monday: 20:00 - 2:00Tuesday to Saturday: 18:00 - 2:00 . One of the most visited bars in the city center. Very busy at night especially at the end of the week (Thursday to Saturday). Because of its location and its popularity, it is considered to be a safe and welcoming place to hang out a night. ( updated Jun 2023 )

46.585491 0.335373 4 Le Room , 37 Boulevard du Grand Cerf , ☏ +33 6 76 02 89 85 . Th - Sa: 00:00-07:00 AM . One of Poitiers' main clubs, generally plays urban music. Bouncers can sometimes be a pain, so try to avoid wearing shorts or dirty sneakers. Free entry for students on Th; otherwise, around €10 . ( updated Jul 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many hotels in Poitiers, with prices ranging from €30 for a double room in a one star hotel to more than €200 in a relais et chateaux.

You can also sleep in a hotel in Paris and take the train or car early in the morning

Go next [ edit ]

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Visit Poitiers in 10 steps

Featured, Unmissable

The day has just dawned on Poitiers and we already feel the dynamism that emanates from medieval streets . The café terraces gradually fill up, punctuated by the comings and goings of passers-by. One of the privileged moments to capture the atmosphere of the city! So let's not wait any longer, on the way to introduce you to 10 unmissable Poitevine stages by crisscrossing the streets steeped in history.

Step 1: Notre-Dame-La-Grande Church, the Romanesque jewel of the city

The reflections of the sublime sun the church of Notre-Dame-La-Grande , it's a good time to take a look. Arrived in front of the facade of this Poitevin nugget, you will fall under its spell. It will impress you with its facade Romanesque architecture . A real story is hidden behind it, testimony to the past. It reads like a picture book and tells you the story of the Bible, that of the apostles, two bishops and finally Christ.

Push the door and the invitation in the colors of the wall decoration dating from 1850 will jump out at you. The authentic Romanesque choir vault, the Renaissance stalls, the small XNUMXth century organ nd century are among the other wonders to discover…

Step 2: An Escape Game to combine play and discovery

Different options are available to you to explore the city from top to bottom:

Viking 2.0: life-size adventure game

THE Poitiers Tourist Office takes you on an adventure in the world of vikings! Follow in the footsteps of your ancestors and try to uncover the treasure. This escape game will transport you to the heart of the city's rich historical past, for 1h30 of entertainment.

Riddles of Odyssey Prod: play detective

Are you unbeatable at Cluedo? Do you love solving mysteries? The enigmas of Odyssey Prod. are also perfect for you. What a unique moment to slip into the shoes of a real secret agent. Walk the streets of Poitiers and elucidate mysteries in less than 1h30.

Escape League: Eleanor's Treasure

Activate the experience mode by going on a quest for the treasure of Eleanor of Aquitaine , emblematic character of Poitiers (and from France!). Through an Escape Game, follow in the footsteps of the former queen of France and then of England. Immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere and gather all your assets to carry out the mission. This activity is part of the device Expériences Famille , offering multiple activities to share with your tribe.

Step 3: The Palace

You will discover during your visit, the palace , former courthouse in Poitiers, testimony to the architectural style known as “Angevin Gothic”. This emblematic place of Poitiers has seen some of the characters of the History of France: William the Great, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart or Jean de Berry. Today, this building remains one of the most remarkable examples of medieval civil architecture in France .

Step 4: The impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Can't escape the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral . It is by far the most imposing building in Poitiers, you will see for yourself. Built on the model of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, it was built at the instigation of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

You will feel very small in front of its facade. Its beautiful rose window and its three carved portals will strongly invite you to contemplate the equally impressive interior. You can admire the wall paintings, a treasure of Gothic art of a quality and size unique in France.

Stage 5: A green break at Parc de Blossac

The weather is nice, the air is warm, the birds are singing. Blossac Park is the ideal place to enjoy a moment cut off from the urban atmosphere. Above the Clain valley, walk along this théâtre de vegetables . 

You can walk freely through its various spaces: its French garden, its English garden, its garden of light and shade, its zoological park.

Before resuming your exploration of the city, sit down on the grass for a delicious picnic .

Step 6: Cultural visit to the Sainte-Croix Museum

The sun is still shining early in the afternoon and you should not miss the Sainte-Croix Museum – the largest in Poitiers, located on the former site of the Sainte-Croix Abbey. The museum invites you to browse the different painted and sculpted works of the XNUMXth nd until the middle of the XNUMXth century nd century.

Stage 7: Head for the mysterious Saint-Jean Baptistery

At the exit of the museum, take a quick tour of the Baptistery of Saint-Jean. It is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Europe! The oldest parts date from the IV nd century.

As you enter the Baptistery, admire all the mural paintings from the XI nd , XII nd and XIII nd centuries, the collection of Merovingian sarcophagi.

Step 8: Fun workshops and exhibitions at Espace Mendès France

Do your children ask you questions that you don't always have the answers to? What if you aroused their scientific curiosity? This is what Espace Mendès France offers you.

Throughout the year, exhibitions and workshops help develop the scientific culture of young and old, to better understand the complex and dynamic world around us. The science ofviennent then more fun!

Step 9: Festive atmosphere at Îlot Tison

It is in Poitiers that you will enjoy a beautiful festive atmosphere on the banks of the Clain.

This former sawmill has been completely transformed into a gigantic 2-hectare park. This bucolic parenthesis connects the two banks and the different districts of the city by a footbridge.

Very pleasant for walking, resting, picnicking but also for enjoying the activities . We offer you departures by canoe, kayak, pedalo or paddle . Sail on the Clain while enjoying this green setting. During the day and at sunset, take advantage of the different concerts et summer entertainment with a good meal or a good drink around the bar and foodtrucks.

Step 10: Panoramic souvenir photo at Notre-Dame-des-Dunes

To end the day and understand why Poitiers is nicknamed the city of 100 steeples , go to Notre-Dame-des-Dunes for a breathtaking view of the city center. The end of the day light guarantees you a nice shot.

For an even more in-depth visit…

Take advantage of the guided tours offered by the Grand Poitiers Tourist Office to explore the city's gems in more detail. Labeled "City and Country of Art and History" since 1995, Poitiers has benefited from a substantial heritage enhancement and animation programme.

This is why you are offered thematic guided tours to help you explore the city, its monuments, its districts and its great characters. The schedule of visits is regularly updated, you can consult them on the Tourist Office website .

After this beautiful day in Poitiers, we hope that you will leave with only one idea in mind “It is sure, we will come back”.

Are you planning a stay in Poitiers? Excellent idea ! This commune of Poitou in the west of France is a pleasant tourist destination. So, first step: choose a place close to the center where…

Poitevin and eager for new flavors? Or on vacation in the Land of Futuroscope with the desire to test a good table? Here is a selection of unmissable restaurants in Poitiers, intimate addresses, co…

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Grand Poitiers Tourist Office

45, place Charles de Gaulle 86000 Poitiers

+33 (0)5 49 41 21 24

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US resumes deportation flights to Haiti despite continuing bloodshed

Critics condemn ‘reckless and cruel’ expulsions and say deportees likely to be targeted by armed gangs who control much of country

More than 70 Haitians expelled from the United States have been flown back to Haiti on the first deportation flight since heavily armed gangs launched a bloody insurrection which has paralysed the capital and forced the prime minister from office.

The flight, which landed in the port city of Cap-Haïtien early on Thursday, was described as “inhumane” by human rights activists who warned that deportees would likely be targeted by the criminal factions who control most of the country.

“This is reckless and cruel,” said Nicole Phillips, legal director of the refugee advocacy group the Haitian Bridge Alliance. “These people are being sent back to an impossible situation where there is no work, no healthcare and no schools to send their children to. On top of that, there is also no real Haitian government to consent to the flight, and no one who can keep these people safe.”

Haiti has been in turmoil since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July 2021, but in the past two months the country’s deep, overlapping crises have reached new lows as the gangs have joined forces to unleash an unprecedented wave of brutal violence.

The US airlifted non-essential embassy personnel and other citizens from Haiti late last month, with state department spokesperson Matthew Miller, saying: “The security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to the violence caused by gangs that claim to represent the Haitian people but thrive on violence and misery.”

The acting prime minister, Ariel Henry, has since stepped down and a transitional council has been formed, but conditions remain equally dire with deadly gun skirmishes a daily occurrence, 4 million people regularly going hungry and the public health system on its knees.

Heavily armed gunmen continued to wage terror on the country on Thursday, reportedly shooting dead eight civilians in the Carrefour neighbourhood in the western limits of the capital and taking control of a police station.

The anarchy is expected to deteriorate further as gangs respond to Tuesday’s announcement that members of a transitional council had been appointed to choose Henry’s successor, said Diego Da Rin, a Haiti analyst at the International Crisis Group.

“The gangs have been increasingly occupying, looting or burning down medical facilities, schools, shops and houses,” Da Rin said. “If they continue to blockade the ports and the capital’s airport, the lack of supplies and food could seriously worsen the humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince and the rest of the country.”

The US most likely flew migrants to the north of the country as the capital is logistically impossible to reach given the lack of law and order, Phillips said.

While Cap-Haïtien may be far from the violence in Port-au-Prince, most of the deportees are not from the far north of the country, so will have to risk travelling through active conflict zones and gang-controlled checkpoints to get to their homes and families, Phillips said.

Their perceived connections to the US also make them vulnerable targets to gangs who extort, kidnap and torture for financial gain, she added.

“Once gangs realise that deportation flights are coming into the north of the country, operations will be set up to take advantage of these people … the US is actively putting people in harm’s way.”

US deportations to Haiti have been halted in the past when the country was in crisis, but upcoming elections mean Joe Biden is using Haitians to look tough on migration, Phillips said.

“Once again Haitians are the pawns in this political game – and the consequences will be dire for them,” she said.

Yvette D Clarke, a Democratic congresswoman and the co-chair of the House Haiti Caucus, said the decision to resume deportations was “unacceptable”.

“Haiti is experiencing extreme political instability, rampant violence, and insecurity beyond imagine,” Clarke tweeted. “We should be focusing on finding solutions to prevent suffering without putting people at risk.”

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